Carry-on bags: what you need to know before you buy

Dimensions, hard vs soft, packing tips, and what to think about before you buy a carry-on bag.

Anyone who has stood at a gate desperately trying to compress an overfull bag into the sizer knows that the choice of carry-on matters. It's not just about size. It's about getting home with the right things, skipping the baggage queue, and knowing what you have with you.

Here's what to know before you buy or pack your next carry-on.

What counts as cabin luggage?

Rules vary between airlines, and it's easy to get caught out. Most European carriers allow one piece of hand luggage up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm and a weight of 8 to 10 kg. But low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air have their own dimensions and their own rules about what goes into the cabin without a surcharge.

The simplest rule: always check the specific airline's website before you pack. The sizers at the gate aren't always consistent, but if your bag is clearly oversized you risk having to check it in on the spot, which costs more.

Hard or soft carry-on?

It depends on what you travel with and how you travel.

A hard-sided carry-on protects the contents better and holds its shape even when squeezed into the overhead compartment. Good if you're carrying electronics or shoes you don't want crushed. The downside is that it won't hold more than its volume, and you can't squeeze in something extra at the last minute.

A soft carry-on, or a roomy weekend bag, gives more flexibility. You can press a bit more in, bend it around another bag in the overhead space, and carry it by hand more easily when wheels aren't practical. For frequent travellers who pack efficiently, a soft bag is often the more practical choice.

One category a lot of people overlook is the structured bag, neither a full suitcase nor a handbag. It works as carry-on luggage on short trips and also as a large work bag or weekend bag in everyday life. That's the kind of thing La Pendla focuses on: bags that don't require you to change your habits to make them work.

What should fit in your carry-on?

A common mistake is starting from everything you want to bring and then trying to find a bag that fits it all. Turn it around. Decide which bag works for your trip, then pack within that.

For two to three nights, you can usually manage with: two or three tops, a pair of trousers or a skirt that can be combined, underwear and socks, basic toiletries in a clear bag with a maximum of 100 ml per container, a charger and headphones, and an extra layer if the weather is uncertain.

Shoes take the most space. Wear the bulkiest pair when you travel, and pack one flat or light pair that folds into the bag. It frees up a surprising amount of room.

Practical details that matter

When choosing a carry-on it's easy to focus on how it looks. That's not unreasonable; looks matter when you're carrying the bag all day. But also check the practical side: how many compartments does the bag have, and are they logically placed? Does the shoulder strap adjust properly? Is there a separate space for a laptop or tablet?

Material affects durability and weight. Canvas lasts a long time and weighs little. Leather is more hardwearing but heavier, which can eat into your weight allowance. Nylon and polyester handle rain better and are usually the lightest option.

Also check how the bag opens. One that opens completely flat makes packing and unpacking much easier, especially if you travel often and want quick access.

Before you buy

Ask yourself three things: how large are the bags I already own, and do they meet the airline's dimensions? What kind of trips do I take most, short weekends or longer ones? Do I want a bag that only works as cabin luggage, or one that also works in everyday life?

Those answers drive the choice that works for you, not just on the plane, but every time you pick up the bag.